'Sorry about that!' Lauren returned her phone to her jacket pocket. 'Everything OK?' She thought she could detect some awkward tension at the table.

Arizona was quick to put her phone down and dismiss the notion. 'Great!' she assured Lauren, aware of Amelia's fingers still moving over the phone in her hand.

Vibration.

'Glad to hear it,' Lauren replied. She felt a sudden shift in the dynamic of their little group, with Arizona fidgeting with her glass and Amelia slouched in her chair looking coy. 'I hope I haven't interrupted anything?'

'What could you have interrupted?' Arizona was careful no to sound defensive. Knowing Amelia, she was probably just winding her up! They had such a playful relationship, she perhaps just wanted to put Arizona on the spot in front of Lauren to gauge her reaction! But there was that kiss earlier in Herman's room...

Vibration.

Arizona glanced at Amelia and lowered her brow. What was this?

'I'm not sure,' Lauren pondered. 'I might have to head back to my hotel soon. I've got an early start tomorrow. At any rate, I probably shouldn't have another drink.'

Arizona's heart sank. She didn't want Lauren to leave, but maybe for now it was for the best.

Lauren picked up on the sentiment in Arizona's eyes. 'You have my card, though? It's got my cell on it.'

'Thank you, yes, I have it.' Arizona put her hand to her pocket to feel Lauren's card sitting there safely by her phone.

Buzz buzz.

She took her phone out to check the time and saw Amelia's three texts.

Who's flustered now?

You want her

I think you want me too

'Um,' Arizona started distractedly, 'did you get my voicemail last night? I called your hotel room. I wanted to find some time to talk with you.'

Lauren shook her head kindly. 'No, I didn't think to check. I saw a flashing light on the answering machine, but assumed it was housekeeping. But I'd like that very much – to talk.'

Amelia sat up and shifted in her seat, so Lauren changed her tack, mindful not to ostracise her. 'But that can wait.' she looked from one woman to the other, as an awkward silence befell them. Amelia, much to Arizona's relief, spoke up.

'Hey, I might follow suit. Killer of a day tomorrow, or hopefully not!' She got up and left the table, pausing by the bar to say goodbye to Joe.

Lauren was unsure of exactly what Arizona and Amelia's relationship was. They certainly looked like a couple when she had arrived, and they perhaps acted like a couple, yet she was convinced Arizona was as drawn to her as she herself was to Arizona. Perhaps she had been mistaken – seeing what she wanted to see. Either way, she could sense something was up.

Arizona's eyes trailed after Amelia in confusion. Lauren repeated her earlier gesture of placing her hand on Arizona's thigh, this time lingering long enough to let Arizona's hand cover her own. She wanted to show kindness, in whichever form. Arizona could accept it. Lauren was convinced there were still uncharted waters between them, but also aware of the time that had passed and that Arizona may well have moved on. To her delight, Arizona turns her had so that their fingers entwine, and a bolt of passion courses though her.

From the bar, Amelia catches Arizona's eye, and smiles knowingly at her.

'Excuse me for just one moment,' Arizona says to Lauren. She wanted to grab Amelia out of earshot. Lauren let go of her hand, and her sultry voice lent itself to 'dont' get stolen from me now...'

Arizona was so turned on. She and Lauren had such a physical connection, and she was sure she wanted to explore that further, but she had to catch Amelia and talk about those texts.

'Ah. The moment when you ask me what the fuck's going on,' Amelia said as Arizona approached the bar.

Arizona stood close to Amelia, hoping for some degree of subtlety. 'Is this some huge wind-uo, Shepherd? I mean, our little threesome over there is beginning to get a little intense.'

Amelia turned to Arizona, their faces almost touching. Arizona went to step back but Amelia held her arm, keeping her a mere inch away. 'Look, I don't know what's happening, to be honest, but I have a flow and I want to go with it. If you two need to be alone, I get that, but watching you together is hot. I'm just saying.' She paused, bridging the tiny gap between them. 'Maybe I could help you make her jealous?'

Arizona was amazed. She didn't know this side of Amelia. She was shamelessly hitting on her, and Arizona was floored. Lauren Boswell was just feet behind them!

'So what do you think?' asked Amelia, her thumb massaging Arizona's arm.

Arizona, already feeling the heat from Lauren's touch, was now in overdrive. She was surprised by Amelia, but one thing Arizona had always been good at was to turn an awkward situation into an opportunity. At least that was the case with the women in her life. Hell, Arizona had plenty of experience in this respect, and had often thrown caution to the wind. There was something so strong between her and Amelia. She could definitely see something happen between them. She wanted it to. But Lauren was here. Unless Amelia was suggesting...No. Was she that kinky?

Somehow Arizona's face betrayed her, and Amelia smirked. 'I've shocked you.'

Arizona had to admit it. This cryptic woman really had. She looked longingly at Amelia with large, ebony circles spilling into the blue, when unexpectedly, Lauren appeared next to them, and looked at Arizona seductively.

'Let me make this a bit easier for you both,' she said, slipping her graceful hands through Amelia's hair, drawing her in and kissing her deeply. Amelia buckled at the abandon, allowing herself to become lost in the moment.

Arizona's cheeks flushed as she watched these two women lock together and she stepped back, affronted. Sensing this, Lauren pulled back from Amelia and looked at Arizona, she was so hungry for Arizona – it was etched on her face. Amelia, too, was encouraged to look lustily at her friend, biting her lower lip and raising an eyebrow. Arizona absorbed the scene, noting a very dishevelled looking Amelia, who had just about steadied herself.

Who's flustered now? she recalled with irony.

She looked back at Lauren, to the woman who had just taken control of the situation. Arizona liked to be in control. If these women both wanted her, then they would have to relinquish their hold on the situation – on her. Mustering up a superior expression of nonchalance, Arizona slipped on her coat, threw her handbag over her shoulder and left the bar. The next move would be hers.

And so, as she sat in the front seat of the taxi outside Joe's, she wryly smiled to herself as she heard first one back seat door open and close, and then the other.